Markets are the building blocks of the food community, according to newly appointed minister of state for DEFRA Jane Kennedy MP.
Kennedy wooed the crowd at the third annual National Food Markets Conference in Blackpool on December 9, with her positive attitude and market focus.
“Never before has food and how it is produced been so high on the government agenda,” said Kennedy, who became a minister in October. “Hilary Benn is bringing together a new team of food policy advisers - from all aspects of the food chain, including producers and retailers. The team will advise Hilary and I on food affordability and environmental issues, as well as a robust policy on food sustainability.”
She went on to say that all parts of food system’s outlets would have a role to play - whether it is a supermarket on the outskirts of a town or a traditional market - and that she is trying to persuade her new consistency to create new markets as part of a new local deal.
“Street markets… have a unique position in society and are the very fabric of the community,” she said. “They provide genuine choice, excellent produce and have done well to raise the profile of regional food. Creating a market benefits the surrounding businesses and is a shot in the arm financially.”
No comments yet